Poets Who Walk and Write in Concord

THE BOX

Heavenly Father…

I remember like it was yesterday, the first time I heard you. There was something I needed to face and was terrified to. Lies conspired to cause a divide in my renewed faith in You. All night long I tossed and turned, knew I would face this…knew I had to. Still could not escape the vise I was gripped in. As I was awakening, just before opening my eyes I heard a tender voice softly say:”if you believe…that it is bad?” When I opened my eyes, I looked over to my Wife who was fast asleep…the t.v. wasn’t on, must’ve been a dream I thought? The voice was like nothing I’d ever heard, everywhere and nowhere all at once, like the cliche’ of “time standing still” and there was a sudden peace that accompanied it.” Later that day after meeting the challenge before me and feeling quite relieved, I heard the voice again the same voice wide awake this time. The same words but accompanied by a visual of an outstretched hand with a plain wooden box in the open palm. I stared at this box in my mind, distracted, completely engrossed, pulled over to the shoulder of the road and prayed all the while holding dear to this visual and asking for understanding. I just was not getting the message but I knew it was important. I heard the voice again like a ‘teaching’…gently nudging…as if saying :”c’mon now, you know the answer.” Suddenly I smiled from ear to ear my eyes still closed yet opened as the realization sunk in. The box simultaneously seemed to rise dissipate and disappear revealing a bare open palm subtly infused with light which also slowly faded and disappeared. As I bowed my head I heard the voice again with tears streaming down my face…It said: “as you believe…so shall you receive.” Treasures to be stored in Heaven? I was so focused on what the mystery box might contain… I almost overlooked it completely. The box was always empty… we empty in submission fill it… with faith and belief. The “box” becomes whatever we dwell upon. Guard your thoughts…I thought.
the battlefield is in the mind Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I remained on the side of that road in prayer and meditation as if absolutely nothing else mattered for I don’t know how long (lost track)? Despite being on the shoulder of a busy highway, there was nothing but silence. As if all alone…on the peak of a mountain but where I stood was coursing with life, love and not lonely. It wasn’t even something I consciously knew how to do but in the moment seemed compeled, invited to. The tears return everytime I think of this…so difficult to write didn’t know if I could express it as well as how it was experienced, did the best I could. I wanted to share it with my Brethren. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – — – – – – – – – – – – – – – – — – – – – – – – – –Prayer In A Box In this box I prayedUnder lock and key,An Our FatherAnd a Glory Be.Then I asked of The Lordto help increase my faith,correct my visionhelp me to see.knelt again,and as taught…recited The Apostle’s Creed.

Though it’s something in good conscience I can no longer do…

Not without omitting The “Catholic”,

self-imposed to stand as mediator

before Jesus man and You.

I asked of The Lordto ignore my ignorant wantsand if it be Thy WillTo please supply for my needs.I love You Father i‘m sure to fall short…But i’ll strive to do my very bestto follow You…And turn this vacated boxinto a treasure chest to store the abundant gifts that can come only from You.

I asked of The Lord,

and prayers were answered.

now it is in progress,

seeking to follow after Your righteousness,

a walk without end.

All thanks, praise, honor and Glory be to God, in Jesus’ Holy precious name, Amen.

Two guys who hit it off at a writers' forum. One American. One Canadian. Both in the family of faith. Both constrained to magnify God, thank Jesus and welcome the Spirit. Verses of challenge, remembrance, thanksgiving, revelation and hope, prayerfully brought to light. (Psalm 107: 2-7)